Healthy Detox

By Dr. Brad Crump, Health Services Manager

There are a myriad of plans and programs that health minded individuals seek out in order to “detoxify” the body. Many are based firmly in the science of detoxification and others well, not so much. Ultimately there is one goal in mind and that is to remove foreign and potentially harmful substances from the body.

Any good detoxification program always begins with proper nutrition. There are no exceptions. The following nutritional guidelines should be part of any detoxification program:

• Whole foods. It is important to eliminate all refined and processed foods. Whole foods contain vital nutrients required for optimal liver function.


• Eliminate all foods that have the highest inflammatory or allergenic potential. An abbreviated list would include the elimination of all dairy, gluten containing foods such as wheat, rye and barley and, of course, all refined foods (which notoriously contain gluten), soy and soy containing foods, red meat, shellfish and caffeine and alcohol.


• Lots of water.

Anyone is a candidate for a good nutritionally based detoxification program. Given the state of our environment and our many exposures, a detoxification program should be done at least once per year and for a full month.

Care would be given with those who have health issues, but, in general, there is nothing that would preclude anyone from participation.

The benefits of detoxification are extensive. They usually include weight loss, improved sleep, increased energy and decreased hormonal symptoms seen with menopausal women. Most will see an improvement in cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Overall, a proper detoxification program will improve overall health, decreased health risks and general sense of well being.